Jodhpur: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that in the current difficult situation in the world, India’s aim is to walk together holding each other’s hands. He called upon allied countries to take their partnership and cooperation to new heights.
He was addressing the multinational air exercise ‘Taranga Shakti’ organised by the Indian Air Force at the Air Force base here. He said, “In today’s time when the world is competing to outdo each other… in many places wars are going on between different countries… in these difficult circumstances, India’s aim is that we should hold each other’s hands and walk together.”
Rajnath said, “Given the way the world is changing and the way the whole world is facing new challenges, we need to take our partnership and cooperation to new heights.” Singh’s remarks came in the backdrop of calls for India’s possible role in advancing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as India has good relations with both the countries.
The Defence Minister said that India is collaborating with friendly countries on many advanced and high technology projects. He said that exercises like ‘Taranga Shakti’ have important strategic importance. Singh said, “Today many friendly foreign guests are also present among us. I would also like to tell them that since you have come to India, take a good look at India’s ‘aerospace industry’ and study it.
During this exercise, you all have also got the opportunity to experience the Indian defence manufacturing industry through visits. These visits will make you aware of the rapid development of India’s defence industry and India’s capabilities.” He said, ”This is a good opportunity to explore the possibility of how we can move forward together in the direction of defence manufacturing.
India is keen to work with you. We want our cooperation to not be limited to just political or say only ‘technical synergy’ but to turn into ‘heart to heart synergy’. Singh said, “We are working together with our friendly nations on many futuristic and high technology projects.
Exercises like ‘Tarang Shakti’ have their own technical importance, but beyond this, I see it as a medium to increase mutual cooperation, coordination and trust between countries. He said that such events increase trust between us and our partner countries. It creates confidence among them that whenever there is a need, we will all stand together. Through ‘Tarang Shakti’ we have further strengthened our alliance with our partner countries.
Raksha Mantri said that with the new resolve of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Indian defence sector is moving ahead rapidly and today the Indian Air Force has transformed itself with the best and most modern aircraft from across the world and next generation equipment.
Singh said, “Our Air Force, and our defence sector is moving ahead rapidly with the new resolve of self-reliant India. Today we have become self-reliant to a great extent in things like light combat aircraft, sensors, radars and electronic warfare and we are constantly striving to move ahead in these areas.”
He said that since its inception, the Indian Air Force has been known for its strength and valour. Whenever the country needed it, the Air Force has bravely faced the situation and has made the nation proud in the whole world by demonstrating its strength.
Singh said that it has been more than 75 years since our country India got independence. Today’s ‘landmark event’ is an opportunity to celebrate the ‘great achievements’ of the Indian Air Force so far, while on the other hand, it also gives an opportunity to remember the journey of our Air Force so far. He said, “Today we are not only the fastest growing economy in the world, but our armed forces are considered one of the most powerful armed forces in the world. ”
He said, “Till some time ago, India was seen only as an importing country in terms of arms and equipment, but today India exports arms and equipment to about 90 countries. There are many such examples, which tell the golden story of the development and evolution of our Air Force and our defense sector.” Earlier, Sarang Helicopter Team, Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and Light Combat Aircraft Prachand participated in the ‘Air Show’ of the Indian Air Force team. Later, the Defense Minister inaugurated the India Defense Aviation Exhibition (IDAX)-2024 which will run till September 14.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Force Chief VR Choudhary, Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, DRDO Chairman Dr. Sameer V Kamat were also present on the occasion.